Record-Breaking Opening in Pakistan
Released overseas on June 27, 2025, Sardaar Ji 3 kicked off strongly—most notably in Pakistan, where it smashed previous records. It even surpassed Salman Khan’s Sultan, securing approximately ₹4.27 crore ($500,000) on Day 1 in Pakistan.
Global Box Office Surge
Overseas audiences have embraced the movie. In just two days, Sardaar Ji 3 amassed around ₹11.03 crore worldwide, with its strongest performance in Pakistan, along with significant earnings from the UK, the US, UAE, and Canada. Analysts suggest this places it among the top three openings ever for a Punjabi film internationally, trailing only behind mega-hits like Jatt & Juliet 3.
India Release Cancelled amid Controversy
Despite the overseas thunder, the film did not release in India due to political and industry backlash triggered by the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. Following the Pahalgam attack in April, union bodies including FWICE and AICWA called for a ban on Pakistani artists. To avoid further backlash, producers opted out of the Indian market.
Support and Backlash in Bollywood
While box-office numbers have soared overseas, the cast and crew have been embroiled in controversy:
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Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah publicly defended Diljit Dosanjh, emphasizing that casting decisions are the director’s responsibility. However, his support sparked backlash from right‑leaning voices including Ashoke Pandit, leading to Shah deleting his post hours later.
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Singer‑turned‑actor Guru Randhawa and others criticized Diljit for “betraying” the audience, amid calls for boycotts.
What Lies Ahead
If Sardaar Ji 3 continues its current trajectory, even without an Indian release. Analysts forecast strong weekend growth in Pakistan, with already-packed auditoriums and continued momentum expected in diaspora-rich markets.
